The Origins of Marble

For centuries, marble stone has been used for both exterior construction and interior design. This stunning material was used in everything from opulent palaces of days gone by and ancient statues to modern day mansions.

But where does marble come from?

In this blog, we’ll explore what makes a stone marble and explore marble’s origin… Not in the quarry from which it is cut but from deeper within the Earth where immense heat, pressure and time transform bland rock into this magnificent stone.

The Marble Origin Story

Natural stone is a broad term that is generally used to refer to any solid rock or mineral aggregate found naturally in the Earth. Granite, limestone, and even marble are all different types of stone.

Marble, however, is unique both in terms of how it formed and in terms of its origin and characteristics.

Marble features a characteristic and unique interlocking crystalline structure. This is due to the process by which it is created. Other stones feature different patterns, such as a granular aesthetic or a layered structure depending on their respective origins.

Due to the process by which marble is created, it is actually one of the softer types of stone. This makes it easier to work with and is the reason–in addition to its beauty–that it has been long favoured by builders, sculptors and artists.

So how is marble created exactly?

Metamorphic Transformation

Marble stone is formed when another rock is transformed under extreme amounts of heat and pressure over a significant period of time. Other stones, such as granite which is igneous (i.e., formed from cooling magma) or sedimentary stone (i.e., formed from an accumulation of other materials) are formed under different processes.

The metamorphosis of multiple sedimentary rocks begins with the shifting of the planet’s tectonic plates. This massive movement forces the minerals to rearrange themselves, creating the signature interlocking visual and also imparting a strength and veined appearance.

An intrusion of magma is another possible cause of marble formation. The intense heat and pressure from the magma is often enough to cause the minerals to crystallize and form marble.

Another unique feature of marble as a result of how it is created, is its translucency. While this does vary from slab to slab, marble offers more light diffusion than other natural stones. This means that light can pass through the stone to varying degrees. It’s part of the reason why marble is such a popular choice for backlit design elements.

Finding Marble Deposits

So, where does the marble come from? Marble isn’t found in a specific place or quarry. It occurs wherever the metamorphic process takes place.

Because of this fact, each marble deposit found boasts its own visual signature and unique characteristics. For example, the famous pristine white Carrara marble is found in Italy. The dramatically veined green marble of Greece is distinct in its own right. Plenty of other places, such as Spain, Portugal and India also have their own special and stunning marble deposits.

Extracting Marble

Extracting marble from the Earth is not an easy or simple job. In ancient days, more traditional tools such as wedges and chisels were used. But more modern techniques, such as diamond wire saws, are now used to cut through this exquisite and delicate stone with perfect precision.

When the slabs are cut, the different pieces are polished, honed and sandblasted to achieve the desired finish. They are then carefully transported by ship to showrooms around the world, like ours at Euro Marble.

Using Marble in Construction

As mentioned at the top of this article, marble has a long and illustrious history of use by builders, royalty and artists throughout human history. There are records of the ancient Egyptians using marble for their sculptures and sarcophagi. Both the Greeks and Romans used marble generously in their architecture. Kings and emperors displayed their opulence and wealth by featuring marble in their palaces.

All of this serves as testament to the enduring beauty and useful strength of this special stone.

Today, marble is used widely in the home. It is used to create stunning kitchen benchtops, flooring, wall cladding, fireplaces, staircases, vanity and even furniture. Beloved for its aesthetic, it also offers everything from heat resistance to easy maintenance and cleaning.

Explore the World of Marble by Contacting Us Today

The team at Euro Marble have been providing marble products and advice for over 30 years. We’re more than just the leader in the industry of marble and natural stone–we’re passionate advocates for this wonderful material.

Our highly skilled artisans bring hundreds of years of collective experience and can blend traditional methods of stone cutting with the use of the most state-of-the-art modern technology.

It doesn’t matter what sort of marble you’re after, when you need it and what you budget in, marble stone is a wonderful option that should be available to everyone. And with the team here at Euro Marble, it can be.

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16 Ways to Update Your Dining Room

If you feel like you need to update your dining room but are not sure where to begin, we have got you covered.

In this article, we’ve curated 16 inspiring ideas on how to update a traditional dining room to infuse modern interior design trends, sustainable materials and practical solutions.

16 Dining Room Update Ideas

1. Natural Stone Feature Wall

Feature walls are a great idea for incorporating some visual variety and beauty withouting having to commit or risk changing the aesthetic of the entire room.

A natural stone feature wall is a classic and timeless way to bring out the best in your dining room. There is a wide variety of options to choose from, such as stunning white marble, grainy granite or earthy limestone, to suit just about any interior design aesthetic.

2. Curated Artwork

If you love the idea of a feature wall, but aren’t sure how to incorporate it, consider curated artwork.

This wonderful solution utilises and elevates your walls with a curated series of artwork. It acts as a fantastic visual focal point and allows plenty of personalisation and sophistication.

3. Stone Dining Table

The humble dining table is more than just a surface upon which you eat. You can effectively update your entire dining room interior design by incorporating a stone table.

Using stone so centrally adds a relatively subtle yet distinct touch of luxury and sophistication. How bold you go with your stone table is up to you, but there are plenty of options when it comes to finding a beautiful stone slab that perfectly updates your dining room.

4. Use Mixed Metallics

Don’t be afraid of mixing and matching different metal finishes in your dining room. Using a contrasting combination of metallics can help bring a level of visual depth, interest and even glamour to the space.

The choice of metals is up to you. There is a variety of warm metals, like brass or gold, to bring a traditional, royal feel to the space. Or you can opt for cooler metals, such as chrome and nickel, for a curated and more industrial look.

5. Lamps and Sconces

Your dining room’s lighting can offer a lot of potential for stylish updates. A stone sconce subtly placed on the wall or an ornate lamp in an otherwise unutilised space of the home offers more than just physical light–it adds a unique and organic touch to the room.

Consider, of course, what sort of lighting and what sort of intensity of lighting you need. If your dining room is smaller, think about how you can include more lighting without taking up too much space.

6. Curved Furniture

Have you considered curved furniture in your living room? This hot new trend is a great way to update your dining room. Curved tables and curved dining chairs come in a variety of different styles–so you can find the perfect option for your aesthetic.

Either way, the graceful softness and sublime fluidity that curved furniture brings to a space inspires intimate conversation, complete relaxation and a beautiful visual element.

7. Bold Textured Fabrics

Furniture, lighting and feature walls are all great ideas for updating your dining room. But sometimes, an even more subtle approach can make an outsized impact.

Incorporating bold, textured fabrics, like velvet or boucle, to your chairs will add a touch of luxury and a lot of visual interest to a space.

8. Japandi Design

This more robust dining room update design is an ever increasingly popular trend in the world of interior design.

Japandi incorporates a Japanese-inspired minimalism with Scandinavian functionality. Think clean lines, natural materials and a nature-centric aesthetic. If you’re looking at creating the ultimate experience of serenity and comfort out of your dining room, this is the update for you.

9. Biophilic Design

Biophilic design refers to the incorporation of nature into your dining space. The way in which you do this is up to your personal preference (not to mention budget).

Consider sources of natural light, use of natural materials such as wood and stone, and organic plants, shapes, colours and designs.

10. Earthy Tones

If you’re after an infusion of earthy aesthetics but do not want to incorporate specific nature-inspired features, consider highlighting earthy tones in your dining room.

From the furniture to the walls, there are plenty of spaces in a living room where grounding colours such as beige, brown, green and terracotta can be used to fantastic effect.

11. Statement Chandelier

For those wanting a more glamorous update to their dining room, an ornate statement chandelier will do just the trick.

In addition to the practical lighting it offers, a chandelier brings sophistication to the space and adds a royalty-inspired flair that will bring joy to you, your family and visitors alike.

12. Unique Patterned Flooring

Do not underestimate the impact your choice of flooring holds when updating a dining room. Of course, the material you choose needs to be appropriate for your lifestyle.

Stone flooring brings beauty and functionality. Finding the right style, shade and patterned stone tiles is a great way at adding colour and pattern to your dining area.

13. Organic Table Runner

A table runner delivers a surprisingly impactful visual element to the dining room. Instead of more traditional table runners, consider a natural material, such as woven jute or linen.

This organic element will complement an earthy colour scheme, other natural elements in the room, and provide a unique textual element.

14. Sculptural Centrepiece

While many of our dining room update ideas include a functional and aesthetic element, this inspiring idea is just fashion!

A sculptural centrepiece to replace the traditional floral arrangement will do more than just bring a new visual element to the space. It will infuse your personality into the room and provide a wonderful touchpoint for striking up interesting conversation during your next dinner party.

15. Mixed Seating

Mixed seating is a trending fashion choice in the world of dining room design. Instead of a uniform set of identical chairs, this concept opts for a mix of chairs of different styles, materials or colours.

Apart from the visual interest it brings to the space, it also allows you to achieve some of the other ideas we’ve included in this list and allows you to also infuse pops of colour which can be critical in bringing the space to life.

16. Sustainable Materials

From recycled wood for your dining room table to bamboo furniture, there are many ways to consider using sustainable materials in your dining room.

Apart from being eco-friendly, using natural-looking and sustainable materials creates a comforting ambiance of healthy, responsible and enjoyable living.

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Bathroom Window Treatment Ideas to Suit Your Needs

Renovating a bathroom provides a ton of opportunity to enhance the entire space. One of the more subtle yet impactful areas you should focus on has to be the bathroom window treatments.

Windows in all rooms play a crucial role in shaping the ambiance of the space. In the bathroom, this is even more pronounced. Windows are not just opportunities for you to add aesthetic flair, it offers functionality too. After all, it allows natural light to flood through and should be functional enough to offer you all of the privacy needs you need.

Finding the Best Bathroom Window Treatments

How do you go about assessing which of the many bathroom window treatment ideas are right for your home and application?

Here’s a step by step breakdown to help guide you through the process.

Step 1: Assess Your Needs

The first step is to stop and take stock of what you are looking for and what you need from your windows.

Privacy

Where is your bathroom located? Is it on the ground floor? Is it visible to neighbours or in close proximity to public spaces?

Determining how much privacy you require is a critical consideration before evaluating which treatment suits your space best.

Light Control

Windows – of course – can offer an abundance of natural light. While for many this may be ideal, some people prefer a more subdued and insular feel in an intimate space like a bathroom.

Note where your bathroom sits, how it lets the sunshine in and the direction in which natural light streams through. This will help you determine the right treatment to achieve your objective.

Moisture Resistance

Steam, moisture, water… Bathrooms are humid environments and are required to withstand a lot of moisture.

Don’t neglect to take into account how your window treatments will affect your ability to keep the space clean and withstand the exposure to moisture and other elements.

Aesthetics

Of course, your chosen bathroom window treatments need to complement your chosen aesthetic and live up to your design preferences.

There are many different treatment ideas out there, so it’s easier to come to the table with an interior design in mind than without aesthetic direction.

Which takes us to…

Step 2: Evaluate Aesthetic Impact

Aesthetics are not just important, they can be complicated as well. Think about the different treatment options and consider how they will influence the overall feel of the room.

Which of the following bathroom window treatment ideas are you aiming to achieve?

Light and Airy

If you want a bathroom that feels and looks light and airy, consider something along the lines of sheer curtains or even light-coloured blinds. Whilst functionally softening harsh sunlight, they are also subtle enough treatments so as to maintain the spacious, airy atmosphere you’re after.

Luxurious Elegance

If you’re after a more luxurious and even indulgent vibe in your bathroom, heavier drapes and even velvety curtains can be a strong option. Deep colours and rich textures add a touch of tangible opulence even in a room like the bathroom.

Cosy and Rustic

For homes that have embraced a rustic charm vibe, wooden blinds or woven shades can help to echo and reinforce that cosy and warm feel. Bathroom window treatments are a no-hassle way to incorporate that cosy cottage feel.

Minimalistic Modern

Do you prefer sleek, modern, and minimalist styling? Simple blinds or shades in a neutral, monochromatic colour offer all the functionality you need whilst complementing a modern design aesthetic. Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t hero other areas of the bathroom either with more bold or colour design elements.

Vibrant and Playful

There’s nothing wrong with a whimsically designed and vibrantly coloured bathroom, whether for the kids or not. Strongly coloured shades or patterned curtains infuse a sense of life and joy in what otherwise could be relegated to just a functional space.

Step 3: Determine the Treatment Type

Once you have a strong understanding of what you need from your bathroom window treatments and have a grasp on the aesthetic of your choosing, it’s time to find the right treatment idea.

Curtains and Drapes

Curtains and drapes are popular for adding warmth to a bathroom. You can choose the colour, fabric and thickness of material to allow as much light to filter through as you want. Additionally, curtains and drapes add another level of depth, softness and visual complexity for those wanting such an aesthetic.

Blinds

Blinds are highly practical and make controlling light coming through easy. However, with many types of blinds out there, there’s nothing holding you back from incorporating your design preferences with this practical bathroom window treatment idea.

Shutters

Like blinds, shutters are practical and stylish. Perfect for bathrooms needing high levels of privacy and light control, you can find the right style of shutter to suit your needs and complement the existing or intended design.

Frosted Glass

Frosted glass has been a consistently popular option for window treatments. They both allow light to come through the glass and obscure transparency to provide privacy. Of course, frosted glass cannot be open and closed on a whim, though the window itself can.

Textured glass functions similarly to frosted but adds a slightly different aesthetic.

Roman Shades

Roman shades are fabric coverings that don’t open by sliding to the side but fold neatly when raised. With a ton of variety in terms of texture, colour, pattern and material, if you’re not quite sold on shutters or regular shades, these can be quite a versatile and practical solution.

Here at Euro Marble, we may specialise in all things natural stone, but we also boast a ton of experience helping our customers curate a personal home style that brings joy to their hearts and lives.

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How to Use Onyx in Interior Design and Decor

In the world of interior design and decor, the choice of materials can be just as significant as the way in which you use them to create the right aesthetic and ambiance.

Natural stone is a very popular choice of material in interior design and amongst the different types of stone, onyx is among the most exquisite and versatile.

The Uniqueness of Onyx Stone in Interior Design

Onyx is visually stunning. This semi-precious stone has an iconic translucency to it which – combined with the striking veining patterns and rich variations in colour – makes it unique and highly aesthetically pleasing. In interior design, onyx can help to add a sense of elegance to a room and infuse luxury and visual sophistication. But there are advantages far and beyond just the surface level appearance.

Being stone, onyx offers a ton of durability and longevity when well maintained and taken care of. Investing in onyx stone is a long term decision that will reap aesthetic and functional rewards for many years into the future.

Additionally, as with all stone, onyx comes in slabs that are cut and hewn from quarries around the world. To this end, every single slab is unique in its own way and is not identical with any other slab in the world. If you’re looking for something truly original to add some life and art and beauty to your home, onyx is a great option.

So, how can you use onyx in your interior decor?

10 Ways to Use Onyx in Your Home Interior Design

Onyx is an opulent-looking stone. For some, it can be tricky knowing how to deftly yet effectively utilise it to its most beneficial in your interior design.

To help inspire you, we’ve put together 10 different suggestions for how you can use this amazing material.

1. Kitchen and bathroom countertops

The countertops in your home offer a lot of surface area to hero a particular material and what could be more beneficial to highlight than gorgeous onyx? Kitchen and bathrooms also tend to be areas of the home with highly effective lighting solutions (for practical reasons) so the onyx in your countertop will shine all the more so and the translucency of the stone can create an ethereal, stunning effect.

2. Backlit onyx wall panels

Using onyx stone for your wall panelling is a great idea on its own. The variety of shades of this material means you can mix and match until you find the perfect slab for your home. But if you want to go the extra mile and really bring your onyx wall to life consider some backlighting. The warm and inviting glow created by the effect of LED strips behind onyx panels is as mesmerising as it is impressive.

3. Flooring

When you need to choose a material for your floor practical considerations are really important. You need to think about foot traffic and ongoing wear and tear. While onyx is a durable material it is not ideal for high traffic areas. Instead, we recommend adding a touch of onyx-related luxury to less frequented areas where you really want to make a captivating impression on guests. Think of onyx flooring in a foyer or power room, for example.

4. Fireplace

Fireplaces are wonderful spaces in the home. They’re comfortable, inviting and ambiance-creating. With onyx cladding, you can transform your fireplace into a real work of art. Just imagine the visuals of dancing flames behind this absolutely stunning translucent semi-precious stone.

5. Sinks

Sinks are often relegated to the practical concerns and considerations. However, an onyx vessel sink is guaranteed to be a game-changing, head-turning addition to a bathroom. With complementary and stylish faucets and fixtures the complete look is a knock-out.

6. Bathrooms

If you love onyx as much as we do, you may be looking for a way to incorporate the stone more substantially in your bathroom. Vanities, bathtubs or feature walls in a bathroom made from onyx can create a spa-like oasis feel which is exactly what you’re after in such a space.

7. Furniture

So far we’ve focused on the more structural elements of the house but there’s plenty of potential to use onyx to amazing effect elsewhere in your home decor. Onyx furniture, from coffee tables to side tables, allow you to highlight this sophisticated material in selected and contained places of the house.

8. Lighting fixtures

Lighting fixtures offer a lot of potential. These practical additions to a home don’t require significant material investment, so an onyx pendant light or chandelier is a perfectly understated way to showcase the stone’s beauty in a refined and controlled way.

9. Wall art

As we have mentioned a few times, onyx is such a stunning stone that it’s a piece of artwork in and of itself. You can take this to its logical conclusion though as well in your interior design. Commissioned onyx art pieces or sculptures can adorn the walls or shelves of hallways, living rooms or lounge areas to add an artistic dimension (not to mention conversation starter) to your decor.

10. Accents

Last but not least, onyx accents are budget-friendly ways to infuse the impact of this stone into your home. Coasters, trays, vases and tabletop decor are all excellent opportunities to create a bit of opulence in the home without the cost or commitment of a major structural renovation.

Find the perfect onyx stone for your interior design at Euro Marble

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Kitchen Remodelling With Superwhite Dolomite

A kitchen remodel requires more than just a monetary investment: It requires time and energy to consider everything from the layout to the aesthetic to the choice of material.

Superwhite Dolomite has been steadily increasing in popularity over recent years as a material to use in kitchen remodelling. This exquisite natural stone has a lot to offer and can be an ideal choice for many homes and kitchens.

But what is Superwhite Dolomite and why should you consider using it in your upcoming renovation?

What is Superwhite Dolomite?

Superwhite Dolomite is a type of natural stone that is known for its creamy white and grey colour palette. Often, slabs of Superwhite Dolomite will feature subtle yet beautiful veining as well.

Like all natural stone, it is quarried from select regions around the world – most notably Brazil and Italy – and is similar in aesthetic to the iconic milky whiteness of marble stone. Nevertheless, despite its similarities with its more well-known cousin, Superwhite Dolomite has a number of advantages that marble does not share to the same extent.

It is highly durable

Superwhite Dolomite is a very hardy and very durable stone. Being less porous than marble and other materials, it stands up better to staining, scratching and etching. In an application like a kitchen remodel, this can be essential considering the type and level of activity likely to go on in and around it.

It is beautiful

Of course the timeless and stunning aesthetic of Superwhite Dolomite makes it a popular material for use in all sorts of home applications and in all sorts of design aesthetics, whether it is traditional or modern, without going out of fashion.

It is affordable

Superwhite Dolomite is more budget friendly than many other types of natural stone. Yet despite its relatively affordable price tag it still offers a high-end and opulent aesthetic for the perfect kitchen remodel.

How to Use Superwhite Dolomite in your Kitchen Remodelling

Getting started with your kitchen remodel

1. Set a budget

Crucially, you need to set a budget of how much you are willing and able to invest in your kitchen remodel. This will help keep you financially on target but also allow you to focus on the design and material choices that are realistic within your constraints. Remember, it’s not just about material costs either. There are labour costs to consider as well.

2. Layout and functionality

Considering the layout of your kitchen and the functionality that it needs to have can help you focus in on the areas that need to be remodelled more extensively and the areas that just need a surface level makeover.

3. Design style

Determining and settling on your style and aesthetic will help you not only work towards a goal in your kitchen remodel but allow you to better understand how you can incorporate Superwhite Dolomite into that design.

4. Lighting

Kitchens require adequate lighting for effective food preparation and clean up. Plan how and where you’ll be incorporating lighting so that the space is fully lit and perfect for everyday use.

5. Seek professional help

Consider hiring a professional designer or contractor to help on your kitchen remodel. While many people might feel hesitant to invest the money from the outset, the truth is that the time, energy and cost savings down the road can pay back more than the initial consultancy costs.

Practical Ideas for Kitchen Remodeling with Superwhite Dolomite

Kitchen countertops

Replacing your kitchen countertop with Superwhite Dolomite can transform the entire space. As a central feature of a kitchen, the countertop is a focal point visually and so the material you choose will have an outsized aesthetic impact.

Kitchen island

If your kitchen has an island countertop or you’re considering incorporating one during the remodelling, cladding it with Superwhite Dolomite is a great way to create a sense of luxury and functionality.

The backsplash

The backsplash of your kitchen is an often-neglected area but one full of potential. This understated area can complement and reinforce the overall aesthetic of the room and Superwhite Dolomite won’t just look a treat, it’ll provide an easy-to-clean surface as well.

Flooring

Kitchen flooring is integral for creating the visual ambiance you want and for providing enough durability to be able to stand up to the exposure to high foot traffic and activity. Fortunately, Superwhite Dolomite has what it takes on both accounts and is a great option for your flooring.

Shelving

Shelving, open or otherwise, can be taken up a level with Superwhite Dolomite. The classic white look of this amazing stone can add a layer of lightness and brightness to your kitchen without threatening to become out of date in a few years. Open shelving in particular offers the opportunity to showcase dishes and glassware enhanced by the soft background of Superwhite Dolomite shading.

Sinks

Think about all the beauty of marble but with the non-porousness of Superwhite Dolomite incorporated into your kitchen sink. Elegant, subtle and beautiful you can turn your sink from a purely functional feature of the kitchen into a decorative one as well.

Accents

Last but not least, Superwhite Dolomite accents offer a low effort and low cost way of adding some visual interest and cohesion to your kitchen remodel. A custom Superwhite Dolomite range hood for example or some decorative wall panels can make all the difference without requiring an out-sized commitment.

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How to Decorate a Living Room

In many ways, the living room is a central place of one’s home. Apart from the fact that it is a central location in which to relax, entertain guests and spend quality family time together, it’s also often used to incorporate intentional interior design choices that reflect your style and personality.

You don’t need to be an expert in how to decorate the living room to get started though. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process–from deciding on what mood to create to adding those finishing touches that will make your lounge room feel like a little slice of heaven.

Consider Your Needs When Decorating a Living Room

The first step in the process of living room decoration is to consider what you’re going to be using the space for.

This might seem obvious but the living room is quite a versatile area of the home. You might intend on spending time in the room hosting friends, or you might primarily use the space for movie nights. You might want to simply create the perfect reading nook. Or you might want a functional lounge that is welcoming and suitable for children and/or pets.

Knowing what your intended use of your living room is will help you make the right decorative choices stylistically and functionally.

A Guide on How to Decorate the Living Room

1. Set a budget

This might not be the most exciting step in decorating your lounge room but it is important. The living room offers a lot of creative and stylistic potential but you don’t want to waste your time and energy coming up with ideas that are not within your price range.

Having a clear and set budget from the outset will give you direction and provide a workable canvas on which to create something special and unique for your needs.

2. Settle on a colour palette

Lounge interior design has many different aspects to it. But to start off, begin with something simple: What colour palette do you want to lean into?

Bear in mind what your intended use is for this space. Do you want shades and colours that turn the living room into a calming retreat? Do you want a lounge room that is bold and energetic? Or perhaps you want to create a mature, atmospheric ambiance?

There are many different colours that are suitable for a living room, and the exact choice of shade and saturation is up to you.

3. Map out the space

When it comes to decorating a lounge room, you are understandably constricted to the size and shape of your living space. Take the time to map out and measure out your room.

A simple floor plan will help you consider different furniture arrangements and ensure that everything fits comfortably without having to invest the time, effort and money into unnecessary trial and error.

Understandably, you’ll want to jump into the actual lounge room decoration but the few moments it takes to plan and map out everything can make the entire process that much smoother.

4. Choose an anchor piece

A key component in lounge interior design specifically is the anchor piece. This component of the living room will ensure that the entire space feels centered, harmonious and balanced.

The anchor piece could be as large as a statement sofa, as subtle as a beautiful rug or as contained as a treasured heirloom on display.

This integral piece should be the part of the living room that immediately catches one’s eye and sets the aesthetic and stylistic tone for the rest of the room.

5. Arrange your furniture

Now we are getting down to the nuts and bolts of your lounge interior design. Your choice of furniture is only one consideration, though of course, it is an important one. It goes without saying that the couch, sofa and armchairs you choose need to reflect your intended use of the space.

When it comes to arranging the furniture, consider how conversation between seating people is being supported by the seating placement. Ensure that the seating faces one another but also allows for walkways and easy flow of traffic and movement.

6. Layer in rugs

Using rugs, even in carpeted living rooms, can achieve a lot with a little. The choice of rug can define the seating area in a distinct way and allows you to add a touch of warmth and texture.

As you know, rugs come in just about every style, shape and colour. Consider the size of your room and the aesthetic style of your lounge. You may want a subtle colour and understated pattern. Or you might want something that adds a pop of visual colour and a pattern that makes a bold statement.

Either way, rugs offer a lot of potential for effective interior design layering.

7. Choose the right lighting

Having sufficient lighting in the lounge room is important, but there’s a lot of stylistic consideration that goes along with it as well.

Overhead lighting is necessary for functionality but there are lots of options for layering other forms of lighting to achieve the mood and ambience you’re after. Accent lighting, ambient lamps and even backlit LED strips behind key artistic features can be instrumental in creating the perfect room for your living space.

8. Add art and personal accessories

Last but not least, it’s time to showcase your personality. Adding accessories and ornaments is a great way to add the cherry to the top of your living room sundae.

From artwork to photographs, sculptures to pot plants and even throw pillows, candles, coffee books and more, there’s just about no limit to what you can incorporate.

At the end of the day, how you choose to decorate the living room is up to you and your tastes. Be creative. Be bold. And be true to yourself.

Need some more guidance on how to decorate the living room?

Speak to our team today at Euro Marble, and let our experts help you create the living room of your dreams!

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How to Style a Black Themed Home

Styling a black themed home can be intimidating at first but done right, with the right balance of sophistication and minimalism, the effect can be both dramatic and surprisingly cozy.

Incorporating black room decor can offer a wonderful canvas for anything and everything from other vibrant feature colours or for simply living spaces that are both bold and personal.

To help you style your home, whether it’s a black living room or bedroom, here’s our guide to get started.

How to Style Black Rooms of Your Home

Embrace the Power of Black

Yes, black interior design is bold but it is also beautiful. The key to executing black room decor is embracing the power of the colour scheme.

Don’t be afraid of it! Black feature walls can make a powerful statement whilst also creating an ambiance of intimacy. Of course, the way in which you infuse black colour schemes into your home is going to depend on the size, shape and natural light of your chosen room.

For example, if you are concerned that the space will feel too dark and overwhelming, you can limit the incorporation of black to an accent wall or vary shades with a dark charcoal colour or even black stone infused with gold veining.

Use Lighting To Your Advantage

Black room decor is a balance between the glorious beauty of this dark colour scheme and ensuring sufficient lighting to make the room both usable and comfortable. Lighting is crucial in all rooms of the house but for this reason it is even more critical in a black space.

Consider layering your overheard lighting by using fixtures that are strategically placed and carefully chosen to spread the light evenly. Sconces and other sources of lighting that are not arranged properly can create the cave-like vibes that make people worried about opting for black rooms.

However, with either natural or artificial lighting, you can ensure that the room feels sufficiently spacious and well-lit without having to sacrifice the mood that this amazing colour scheme brings to the table.

Quick tip: Consider using uplight artwork or architectural features (where possible) to help add depth and dimension. Both of these options are great for subtly and yet effectively incorporating significant amounts of light into your room without making it feel unusual.

Play With Different Textures

Another concern that some interior designers and homeowners have when it comes to black styling is the feeling of visual monotony. There is no reason why black needs to feel or look flat. Remember: Textures are your friends.

Introduce a little bit of visual interest and aesthetic depth by changing up the type of textures in your black living room. Of course, this can be achieved with exposed brick walls or feature walls of a distinct material. But even velvet sofas, a woven rug or wood furniture can help make the space pop visually.

This is also a good opportunity for those wishing to add a bit of colour to the space to do so. Feature walls or furniture made of a different material and of a different shade can look wonderful in an otherwise black-styled room. Which brings us to our next point…

Include a Pop of Colour

You can absolutely tailor this design suggestion to suit your preferences. Black, as you probably know, pairs beautifully with a wide variety of colours.

This ensures you have the freedom to include a pop of colour that really suits the space. Whether it’s artwork, throw pillows, statement furniture pieces, vibrant rugs, or even accents and ornaments, the size, style and placement of your colour choices is up to you.

If you’re after a touch of luxury, consider jewel tones. These include emerald green or sapphire blue.

If you’d like to create a warm and inviting feeling, consider a more white mustard yellow or ochre.

If you’d like something more industrial and stylish, consider metallic accents such as gold or brass. For more inspiration with this last idea, keep reading!

Throw in Some Metallic Accents

Metallic accents don’t just add an element of glamour, they also help to infuse a bit of contained and yet effective life into an otherwise all-back design. Depending on your preference, you can choose a luxury metallic like gold or silver, or opt for something more industrial along the lines of copper and brass.

The way in which you infuse metallic accents in your black room decor is also versatile and customisable. Hardware, door handles, picture frames, and lighting fixtures are all great candidates for using this unique material to elevate your space.

Include Some Statement Greenery

Plants and other greenery is used in interior design to bring a touch of life and a splash of nature into the home. There’s no reason why the exact same refreshing effect can’t be brought into your black living room.

There’s no need to tell you that the choice of greenery and indoor plants available is immense. So you can find the perfect plant with the right green colouring, level of ‘lushness’ and shape and size to bring the right vibrant contrast to your space.

Beautiful Artwork

Few things can make as big an aesthetic impact as artwork. A black feature wall, bedroom or living room, provides the perfect backdrop for including some bold and colourtful art.

Playing with scale with your artwork statement piece can help achieve a subtle layering effect and introduce a bit of visual interest. Alternatively, consider a gallery wall in your black living room using a variety of smaller pieces. This way you can also play with levels and non-symmetry to create a provoking and stunning display.

Opt for Black and White Magic

Timeless, elegant and classy, using a black and white colour scheme offers plenty of aesthetic potential and ability to cater to personal preferences. You don’t have to sacrifice the general style of your black room decor either.

Subtle yet powerful incorporation of a white feature wall, white tiling, or even white accents can help to lighten the dark living space. Black and white design styles have been and remain popular for good reason: It’s sophisticated and offers a truly striking aesthetic.

Play with Accessories

Accessories are great opportunities for incorporating some different colours, textures or styles into your space. Sculptures of interesting shapes or throw pillows with interesting patterns can make an out-sized difference to the overall visual impact of your black living room or bedroom. Even a collection of black and white photographs can add some important personality and depth.

The important point here is that you should give yourself the space to play and trial different accessories. Black offers a neutral canvas, so it’s up to you to personalise your space with as many accessories as suits your style.

For More Black Room Decor Ideas, Call Euro Marble Today

Embrace the drama, unleash your inner stylist, and blend fashion with function in your home.

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14 Inspiring Backyard Makeovers

Are you looking for some inspirational backyard makeover ideas?

Your backyard should be a dream oasis that you, your loved ones and your guests will never want to leave! But it also has to be a space that works functionally and stylistically for you. From budget-friendly tweaks to luxurious upgrades, we’ve pulled together some of the best backyard renovation ideas to help you revolutionise your outside space.

14 Backyard Makeover Ideas

1. The Cozy Conversation Nook

You don’t need a lot of space or a big budget for this backyard hack. String up some fairy lights and invest in a bit of comfortable outdoor seating and you’ll have prepared the perfectly comfortable and cozy conversational nook. You can always customise the space with some colourful pillows or potted plants, depending on your aesthetic.

2. The Budget-Friendly Fire Pit

A fire pit is a great way to improve the backyard of all shapes, sizes and types. Budget-friendly, customisable to suit your lifestyle and endlessly enjoyable, there are plenty of pre-made fire pit kits and handy instructions for do-it-yourself versions. Either way, there’s nothing better than a warm evening beside a fire with your family and friends.

3. The Entertaining Patio

Installing a deck or patio space is a popular choice of backyard transformation. The practicality and functionality of the space allows you to conduct whatever outdoor activities suit you and your family. Plus it provides a clear separation between the rest of your yard and your home. Of course, there’s nearly no limit on the different types, sizes and styles of deck available–depending on your budget.

4. The Water Feature Aesthetic

If you’re looking to turn your backyard into a Zen oasis or just want to infuse some beautiful and natural sound and imagery to the outdoor space, a water feature is a great option. From the sound of trickling water adding a sense of tranquility to the bold and beautiful aesthetic of a water feature, consider installing a small fountain, pond, or even just a simple birdbath.

5. The Hammock Haven

This backyard makeover idea is another fantastic budget-friendly option. If you have two strong trees in your backyard, consider stringing up a nicely patterned hammock. Not only does it infuse a bit of colour into the space but also adds some functionality by offering the ultimate relation spot. Hammocks are wonderful for afternoon naps or enjoying a good book in the gentle breeze…

6. Atmospheric Lighting

When it comes to designing a backyard makeover, do not underestimate the effect lights have on ambiance. String lights, fairy lights, festoon lights and globe lights are all great options for adding a magical touch to your outdoor space. Your choice of lighting can help create the perfect venue for entertaining guests or create an intimate, romantic atmosphere for you and your special someone.

7. The Vertical Garden

This backyard makeover idea is ideal for small outdoor spaces. A vertical garden is a very practical way of adding greenery, visual interest and a bit of nature to your wall or fence. Of course, you can customise every aspect of the vertical garden as well to suit your preferences.

8. The Outdoor Cinema

Are you a movie lover? It’s not nearly as hard or expensive to create a wonderful outdoor cinema as you might think. Simply put up a taut sheet or invest in a proper screen and project the movie straight onto it. With some comfy seating and a bowl of popcorn, your transformed backyard will be ready for family movie night in no time.

9. The Kids Zone

There are a lot of different options when it comes to creating a play zone for your kids. Swing sets, monkey bars, slides, playhouses, and sandboxes are easy to source and surprisingly affordable. But the hours and hours of fun in store for your kids is priceless!

10. The Outdoor Kitchen

If you love hosting or cooking up a storm, investing in an outdoor kitchen could be the backyard makeover of your dreams! Consider an outdoor pizza oven for delicious homemade dinners under the stars. Or upgrade your barbeque with a built-in grilling station and smoker. Even a simple custom-designed bar area will turn your next dinner party into one to remember!

11. Water Fun

If your budget allows for it, consider installing a swimming pool. Few things deliver backyard luxury as a pool–perfect for hot, lazy days and resort-style living. However, if you are operating on a tighter budget or within more confined outdoor space, consider a splash pad for the kids. There’s plenty of options out there for beating the heat and infusing fun and excitement into your backyard for your children.

12. The Japanese Garden

If you’re interested in taking your Zen garden up a level, consider a Japanese-inspired space complete with rocks, sands and minimalist greenery. Transforming your backyard into the ultimate meditation space will infuse a sense of peacefulness and calm into not just your home but your life.

13. The Games Garden

For those active families, an outdoor games area could be the backyard makeover idea that meets all your needs. There’s a limitless supply of options out there, such as giant Jenga or chess sets, a horseshoe pit or even cornhole boards. With an assortment of carefully chosen and arrayed games, you and your family will simply love being out in the fresh air and sunlight.

14. The Herb Garden

Transform your backyard into the culinarian’s best friend with a herb garden. A dedicated spot for your fresh flavours and herbs offers not just a rewarding and enjoyable hobby to engage in but will give you access to the freshest ingredients for your next dinner.

Let’s Talk More Backyard Transformation Today

Get inspired by these backyard makeovers and let your creativity transform your outdoor space to suit your lifestyle.

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Fortunately, the team here at Euro Marble can help! We source the most beautiful and highest quality natural stone from around the world.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor paving to complete your backyard transformation or would like stone benchtops on either side of your homemade pizza oven, give us a call today to discuss how we can help you with your backyard makeover.

Viva Magenta – Pantone Colour of the Year 2023 Design Tips

In December 2022, the Pantone Colour of the Year was announced for 2023 and the winning shade was Viva Magenta. Since then the Viva Magenta colour scheme has gone on to inspire countless artists, designers and home design experts.

If you’ve similarly fallen in love with this amazing colour and are wondering how to incorporate this bold look in your home, we have got you covered.

What is Viva Magenta?

According to the Pantone website, the choice of Viva Magenta 18-750 as the colour of the year represents bravery and fearlessness. This pulsating colour descends from the family of reds and brings with it an aesthetic of joyousness and optimism, inspiring one to write a new narrative and blaze new trails.

This vibrating and vigorous new shade was chosen due to its powerful visuals and empowering energy. As such the new animated magenta red welcomes anyone who feels like a bit of a rebel at heart whilst still being inclusive of everyone.

Introduction to Pantone

Pantone is both a colour matching system and an independent organisation. Their role is to provide colour standards for a use across a variety of industries.

Within the Pantone Matching System, sometimes referred to as PMS, there are a series of standardised colours. Each colour, such as Viva Magenta, has its own name and unique number. This allows artists and designers to more easily and accurately communicate their colour use regardless of media and material context.

Thanks to the Pantone standards and systems, graphic designers, interior designers, fashion designers, printers and product designers can all work with clear consistency and specificity.

At the end of each calendar year, Pantone announces their choice of the Colour of the Year for the following year. This announcement has become an anticipated event across the design and artistic world.

“Pantone Color Institute provides trusted color leadership. We can develop a comprehensive set of solutions that leverages the power of color, increasing color confidence and achieving brand goals.” – Pantone Color Institute

10 Tips for Using Viva Magenta in Design

Using Viva Magenta in interior design can be an exciting and effective way to inject a bit of flair and flavour into your home. However, being the bold and striking colour that it is, we’ve put together 10 handy tips for helping you use the Viva Magenta colour to maximum effectiveness.

Balance the Colour Scheme

Balance in interior design is always important and when incorporating Viva Magenta it’s all the more so.

One simple design technique for balancing colour schemes is to use a base, neutral colour in conjunction with Viva Magenta. Think of your whites, greys, and even blacks. There is still plenty of opportunity to customise which sort of neutral colour you’re opting for and how you actually apply both shades to the space is up to you.

Hero the Magenta

With the right balance of colours so that the animated red of the Colour of the Year isn’t overwhelming, you can be free to truly hero the Viva Magenta.

Using it as an accent colour can create a real pop of visual flair to a space. Incorporate the Viva Magenta colour centrally (not physically but aesthetically) so that–without dominating the space–it draws one’s eyes and creates visual interest.

Match with Warm Colours

Once you’ve determined how you’re going to both balance and hero the Magenta, it’s time to start considering complementing the bold look with some other accessories, decorations, or even fixtures and tapware.

When you’re choosing the colour of these items we recommend opting for something warm without being too striking. Gold, for example, can wonderfully match the Viva Magenta and contribute positively to the overall atmosphere without stealing aesthetic attention.

Try It If Unsure

Viva Magenta is a gorgeous colour but it might not be for everyone. When you’re considering how to use it in your home, if you’re feeling a bit unsure then try it out first.

Opting for magenta curtains or pillows or even a rug can be a cost-effective and non-permanent way of trialling this bold colour before you commit to something more extravagant or difficult to reverse.

Use with High Ceilings

Rooms with high ceilings and/or natural light offer a lot of interior design opportunities. With the Viva Magenta colour it allows you to incorporate this vibrant aesthetic in larger and grander ways without becoming overwhelming.

Whether you opt for magenta furniture, a feature wall or some other incorporation is up to you and your design style preferences.

Create an Earthy Feel

Bearing in mind Tip #1, you can effectively create a grounded, Earthy feel while maintaining sophistication in design by combining magenta with muted tones like beige, brown or olive green.

Whether you use wood, Earthy-looking stone such as limestone, or some other material, Viva Magenta can be used to great effect bringing such an interior style to life.

Play with Texture

So far our tips have focused mostly on colour use and choice. But texture is a very important consideration in interior design. Using different types of material adds a layer of visual depth to any room.

When it comes to using Viva Magenta, it’s even more effective as it combines the richness of the colouring with the aesthetic complexity of varying textures. To get you started, think about how you could use velvet or silk.

Use Magenta Shades

Whether your magenta is being incorporated on a wall or in your furniture, there is a lot of scope to mix and match different shades of magenta along with the chosen Pantone Colour of 2023.

Don’t be afraid to play around a little bit as you try to balance the playful, vibrant look with the rest of the room’s design and aesthetic.

Use Artwork

A gallery wall of artwork and/or photography can be an effective and easier way to use Viva Magenta in interior design.

You can feature the colour as heavily or subtly as you so choose and opt for the exact size, shape, style and placement of the artwork as suits your interior space best. As with Tip #4, using artwork to showcase magenta gives you plenty of scope to chop and change the styling later on.

Use the Colour in Unexpected Ways

Interior design is about being creative and one way to do that is to use Viva Magenta in unexpected ways and unexpected places.

Think about areas of the space that one wouldn’t usually apply a feature colour, such as the ceiling or even a bookshelf. Are there decorative pieces or items of furniture that would be striking yet appealing if coloured magenta? Playing around and trying out different ideas can help you stumble across some wonderful and creative new ways to incorporate this amazing colour.

Find the Right Colour for Your Space Today

Did you know that Euro Marble is the premier supplier of not just classic-looking stone like marble and granite, but a wide range of different coloured natural stones too?

We love helping our customers explore and create wonderful new spaces in their home and we’d love to help you too! So, if you’d like to brainstorm more ways of using Viva Magenta or want to find out more about our products, make sure to contact our team today on (02) 8585 2999.

Exotic Marble Walls with Luxurious Floors in the Bathroom

There are many ways in which you can achieve a truly exotic and luxurious aesthetic in your bathroom, but none–in our opinion–work or look better than a stunning marble wall.

Combined with equally luxurious flooring, a marble walled bathroom adds a level of visual sophistication and design elegance to a space in the home that you frequent each and every day.

Exotic Marble Wall

Marble stone is a highly valued material for use in both internal and external construction. Thanks to its iconic and luxurious appearance, as well as its unique physical properties, marble is both practical and popular.

Marble stone itself is formed through a metamorphosis caused by intense heat and pressure under the Earth’s crust. This process causes the (once) limestone to crystallise and change into the beautifully patterned and textured marble that the world has been in love with for generations.

Installing a Marble Floor and Wall Bathroom

When it comes to using marble in the home, especially in a bathroom’s flooring or walls, the tiles are chiselled from a larger slab of marble stone. These slabs are quarried from the natural sources of marble in various spots around the globe. Some of the most popular and classic exotic marble quarries can be found in Italy, Greece and Brazil, among others.

Using specialised and heavy machinery, the blocks of stone are removed from the ground and transported to a processing plant where they are further cut into slabs of stone, polished, and transported to premier suppliers around the world, including to us here at Euro Marble.

Why a Marble Wall is Perfect for Your Bathroom

Aesthetic Appeal

Perhaps the main reason that marble walls in a bathroom (and flooring) is so popular is because nothing quite matches the glamour of this natural stone.

Marble itself actually comes in a surprisingly wide range of colours and the subtle veining and clouding pattern can vary significantly in slab to slab. This gives you the perfect opportunity to find the perfect shade of stone to suit your personal taste. It also means that an exotic marble wall and floor can be found to suit any design style, from classic to modern and from rustic to contemporary.

Durability

Marble is not just an amazing-looking stone, but it’s also highly durable and hardy. This long lasting material is a smart choice for areas of the house that are exposed to high levels of traffic and activity, not to mention water, moisture and heat. With the right level of care and maintenance, marble floors and walls can last for many years without looking dated in style or due to wear and tear.

Bathroom Suitable

A marble floor and wall bathroom offers additional practical benefits. In addition to the inherent durability of the stone, the unique properties of marble mean that it’s quite heat-resistant and waterproof. The walls and floors of your bathroom are likely to be surrounding showers, bathtubs, vanities and sinks, so it’s important to choose the right material for long-term functionality.

Valuable Investment

Due to both the long-lasting nature and inherent value of marble, using a marble wall or marble flooring in a bathroom is likely to increase the value of your home if you sell. Exotic marble surfaces can form a deeply positive impression on potential buyers and can add significant value to a property.

Complementary Walls and Floors

Marble is a unique material for use in the bathroom because you can use as much or as little of it as you want to great effect. An exotic marble wall looks stunning next to natural stone tiled floors but is also equally complementary with hardwood floors. Balancing the right texture, aesthetic and warmth of your bathroom is a matter of personal taste, and a marble wall provides the perfect canvas to achieve that balance.

Tips for Using a Marble Floor and Wall in Your Bathroom

Choose the right type of marble

As mentioned above, there is actually a wide range of types of marble and colours/shades. Finding the right marble stone for you is a matter of both personal preference but also practicality. Our team at Euro Marble are experts in this regard and happy to help you find the perfect slab for your application.

Whether you’re after a black floor of marble with a grey marble wall or colourful walls with milky white marble flooring, we’ve got all the options you need to achieve the look you want.

Take care of your marble

Marble is an extraordinary material and to ensure it shines as brightly as possible in your bathroom, be careful about damaging the stone. Keep your bathroom floor and wall clean and avoid using harsh or acidic cleaning solutions. Wipe up spills immediately and avoid hard bristled brushes.

With just a little bit of tender love and care you’ll love the way your marble stands the test of time in your bathroom.

Seal and reseal

When a marble wall or floor tiles are installed they are sealed to ensure extra protection from moisture, water and other elements. However, every few years it’s best practice to reseal your marble. This relatively small investment in the longevity of your stone will pay dividends down the line and make sure that your bathroom looks as stunning many years down the track as it did on Day One.

Consider lighting and style

Exotic marble walls and floors look a treat in just about any bathroom. But there are some tips and tactics for ensuring your particular application looks as amazing as possible. Choose lighting and fixtures that enhance the beauty of the marble without creating shadows ro harsh glares. Keep your interior design style consistent and choose colours (of both stone and other accessories/decor) that balance without clashing or overwhelming the space.

Allowing your exotic marble to breathe and visually stand out will make the most of this precious stone and add to the overall luxurious aesthetic of your bathroom.

Use professionals

From sourcing marble slabs to installing and repairs to resealing, make sure you choose a reputable and professional provider for your bathroom’s stone. Hiring the right professional will ensure the job is done meticulously and correctly, and give you the peace of mind that your bathroom will look and function as amazingly as it should and could.

Let’s explore the marble floor and wall options for your bathroom!

If you’re sold on installing a marble wall and/or floor in your bathroom, but aren’t sure how or where to begin, don’t worry! We’re here to help.

Just get in touch with us today and we’ll help you every step of the way to finding the perfect exotic marble for your home.